While qPCR remains a staple in nucleic acid quantitation, it often falls short in accuracy and precision, posing challenges for cell and gene therapy applications. qPCR quantification relies heavily on the quality and identity of the control sample and amplification efficiency—which can be compromised by suboptimal primer and probe design, varying inhibitor levels across samples, and the secondary structure of templates. Additionally, the reliance on a standard curve for quantification can reduce throughput and productivity, leading to increased workloads and costs.
Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) is a more robust alternative, offering absolute quantification without a standard curve. By partitioning samples into thousands of individual droplets, which are PCR amplified and counted as positive or negative, ddPCR enables the precision and sensitivity necessary for accurately measuring viral titers. This level of accuracy is essential in gene therapy applications for assessing treatment potency, determining appropriate dosing, and detecting contaminants. The heightened efficiency of ddPCR, in terms of time and costs, is also a key advantage for the biopharma industry.
To facilitate a smooth transition from qPCR to ddPCR, labs require a thorough understanding of the key differences between these methods and effective strategies for bridging their data. This resource guide delves into these aspects, providing practical insights that empower lab managers to integrate ddPCR into their cell and gene therapy workflows, ultimately enhancing throughput, accuracy, and precision.
Download this resource to discover:
- The limitations of qPCR and how ddPCR can address them
- Solutions for optimizing quality control in cell and gene therapy
- Detailed guidance on bridging data between qPCR and ddPCR studies
- Methods for accurately quantifying adeno-associated virus (AAV) titers
